APPLICATION OF HERBS FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF AFTER WEANING DIARRHOEA, STIMULATION OF GROWTH AND IMPROVING WELFARE OF GROWING PIGS

Sonya Ivanova-Peneva

Abstract: The aim of this experiment was to test the effect of herb (Origanum heracleoticum), herb’s mixture (Origanum heracleoticum and Potentilla Erecta Raus) and extract of Castanea sativa on growth and health condition of growing pigs. In parallel the effect of treatment of diarrhoea with antibiotics was compared with those of herb’s mixture and concentrate of oregano oils. In total, 100 growing pigs after weaning took part in 2 trials, allocated to three groups in each trial. Herb’s mixture did not affect positively food consumption, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in growing pigs. Adding Origanum heracleoticum and Potentilla Erecta Raus into the food of pigs is an aid for the prevention of after weaning diarrhoea and for better welfare. It is necessary to continue the research with herbs and plant extracts as replacement of antibiotics searching for mechanisms of interaction of the active compounds of herbs in different doses and combinations.

Keywords: ADG; antibiotics; diarrhoea; herbs; pigs; welfare

Date published: 2023-03-08